Purpose: :
Grafting of burned eyelids has been studied for hundredsof years.1 Debate continues on the choice of graft and timingfor effective repair.2 Burn injuries to the eyelids can causelid retraction and ectropion leading to exposure keratopathyWe review 5–year results of split–thickness (STSG)and full–thickness skin grafts (FTSG) for repair of cicatricialeyelid retraction in the burned eyelid complex at a major burncenter.

Results: :
Interval from burn to graft was 1 week to 12 months.Visual acuity improved or was stable in all patients. Symptomsand graded keratopathy improved in all patients. Lagophthalmosdecreased on average of 2.5mm. 4 eyelids from 3 patients whounderwent emergent repair developed post–operative cicatrixrequiring regrafting of the involved eyelids. Two patients withfull thickness skin grafts required debulking to improve theaesthetic appearance.

Conclusions: :
Cicatricial eyelid retraction and ectropion are effectivelyrepaired with skin grafting. Skin graft failure may be mostcommon in emergent repair. Failed grafts lead to recurrent eyelidretraction which can require regrafting. Debulking of full thicknessskin grafts can improve the aesthetic appearance of the eyelidcomplex.